S. Miocic (left) and F. Ngannou (right) face each other in the UFC 260. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
After being confirmed as the next challenger for the UFC heavyweight belt (up to 120,2kg), Francis Ngannou He doesn't want to hear about making the same mistakes as in the past. Defeated by Stipe Miocic three years ago, the French-Cameroonian analyzed the first meeting with the champion and revealed corrected points for the commitment in the UFC 260, which takes place on March 27th. The statement was given in an interview with 'Joe Rogan Experience'.
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“In the fight against Stipe, I think I rushed it in the first round. Now, I think, 'Damn, I've got five rounds. Why should I get tired?'. Analyzing the fight, I saw a guy like me, but I didn't recognize myself, because that's not how I fight. I observe other clashes and they look like two different people. I used to fight calmly. I pushed the fight and let myself in, if there was an opportunity. Most of the time, the opponent is the first to attack. On this one, I hurried. So, I think I should have calmed down”, said the 'giant'.
Considered one of the most feared men in the sport, Francis managed to recover after the setback to Miocic. After a convincing streak of four consecutive victories (with knockouts), the French-Cameroonian qualified for a new fight for the title. The athlete, however, experienced moments of uncertainty regarding the new date, as, in recent years, Stipe was involved in the trilogy against Daniel Cormier.
“I knew the fight would happen. The wait was frustrating, all the uncertainty, but I knew it would happen. Guess what, only one thing would make it happen. Go to the gym, work, win the fight and get a fight for the belt. At some point, it will happen”, he concluded.
Ngannou has not performed since May 2020, when he brutalized the promising Jairzinho Rozenstruik in the first round. Before the hit on the Surinamese, Francis had won victories over Curtis blaydes and also beat the former division champions, Cain Velazquez e junior gypsy.
Stipe hasn't defended his belt since he overcame Daniel Cormier in the fight that ended the trilogy between them. On that occasion, in a confrontation valid for the UFC 252, the champion maintained his position with a triumph in the unanimous decision of the judges.
The winner between Miocic and Ngannou should be responsible for giving a 'welcome' to Jon Jones in the group up to 120,2kg. Legend of the sport, 'Bones' made his category migration official last season, even giving up his light heavyweight belt (up to 93kg).
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